Chapter 173
Chapter 173
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 173
Chapter Title: The Lord Exercising His Rural Rights (14)
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Agon—whose real name was Lucius Deon—was actually a noble. But no one in Preha knew that, because the Deon family, who had fled the capital as if they were being chased, had kept their identity tightly hidden. Getting entangled in factional strife that led to their house's downfall made it a natural decision, all things considered.
Having lost their status and rank overnight, the Deon family honed their blade of revenge in Preha. They aimed to deliver an economic blow to the Silian family, the ones who had dragged the Deons into ruin. That was why Lucius's father, Cartin Deon, had established the Smith Merchant Group. Knowing the Silias' weaknesses, he believed they could exact sufficient revenge.
But absurdly, his revenge ended before it even began. King Friedrich III died suddenly back then, causing the regime to shift once more. It was only natural for the powerful royalist Silian family to fall into ruin just like the Deons had. And so, the Deons achieved their vengeance without lifting a finger.
Even so, nine-year-old Lucius, who had abandoned everything to become a commoner, found no joy in it. Vengeance complete or not, they couldn't return to being nobles. In the end, Lucius became a merchant as a commoner, wandering aimlessly in depression every day.
And the one who saved him from his hardship was none other than Rozina.
"Ah, hello. I'm Rozina from the Preha Orphanage. Thank you so much for your sponsorship!"
When he saw the beautiful girl—someone even noble houses rarely produced—smiling brightly and greeting him, Lucius fell in love for the first time in his life. He even thought that becoming a commoner had been for this very moment, feeling a destined bond with her.
"I'm Agon from the Smith Merchant Group. Uh... Rozina? I'll be coming by often from now on. Want to be friends?"
From that day forward, Agon never had another gloomy day. And Rozina was always by his side. He never doubted that she would remain there for the rest of his life.
-Clop clop
"I see... So it's a trade caravan heading to Horn."
"Yeah. Now that the trade routes are open, any merchant worth his salt has to give it a shot, right?"
"Perfect timing, then. I'm living in Horn right now."
"What? Not the capital, but Horn?"
"Well... I've had my share of ups and downs. Anyway, come to my place as a guest."
"Sounds good to me. I appreciate it."
Having caught up and shed their awkward speech, the two sat by the campfire, sipping drinks and sharing old memories. They slipped back into their old, easy camaraderie, opening up about everything they'd bottled up.
"Hena's going to be thrilled. ...She really liked you a lot, you know."
"Nah, what would a married guy like me have to make her happy about?"
"You're married?!"
In the process, Hanrick revealed his little sister's unwavering affection, but Agon indirectly refused by admitting he was married. To him, there was only Rozina now.
"Yup. To the kindest, prettiest woman in the world."
"Whoa, you're totally that dad bragging about his kid, huh?"
Though he had committed an unforgivable sin himself, Agon believed Rozina would forgive him like she always had. Downing his drink, he anticipated sharing love with her once more. The booze was bitter, but his mood wasn't half bad.
"Aaah! Hah, haaah! My lord, eung! Cum inside just like that! Haaaang! Let me, haht, bear your, eung! Child, my looord!"
And at that very hour, Rozina was making love with Preha's lord. Squeezing her insides tight to receive his seed, without a thought for Agon's delusions.
Rozina showing up at the castle had been unexpected. From what I gathered, she'd fought with her husband, which left me pleased yet a bit troubled. Agon didn't know she'd come to me of her own accord.
This makes it harder to raise the NTR rank... Hmm, time to revise the plan. Originally, I was going to have my bought-off caravan members cause an incident to drown Agon in debt. But with things like this, adjustment was inevitable.
Still, it wasn't all bad. Using Rozina, I could stage something a little more dramatic. Changing tack, I summoned Sera and issued orders.
"Kuhaha! So you're planning to ask Horn's lord for a favor. With an appropriate gift, of course... Hm? Are you even listening?"
But Sera's condition was downright odd.
"Hmph."
"Hey now. 'Hmph'? How rude to snort while your lord is speaking."
"It's 'hmph.'"
"No, that's not what I meant about polite speech."
She openly snorted at my words and glared daggers. Blatantly so. What was eating her this time? Even as I signaled her, Sera refused to drop her attitude. Instead, she spat out coldly in a voice thick with irritation.
"Word is there's this vile lord who turns decent folk rotten, then thinks a few fucks make it all square. The world's a scary place, huh? Too frightening to live in."
Ah... She's really pissed.
"Ahem, what a degenerate age, with lords like that."
"And get this—they say he's using a woman who likes him to seduce others. For the kingdom's peace, maybe we should report these villains to His Majesty. What do you think, my lord?"
"Kuhum..."
"Oh dear, feeling unwell? You look pale."
I'd used Sera to drive the wedge into Rozina, and she clearly hadn't liked that. A few dawn romps as thanks apparently weren't enough. Jealous, maybe...? Sera's emotions had grown more expressive since Rozina entered the castle—annoying, but kinda cute.
No helping it. Until the NTR wrapped up, I'd have to soothe her. Flashing my gentlest smile, I pulled the pouting Sera into a hug.
"Sera... Do you think I'd be satisfied with just one? Linking with Rozina won't mean discarding you."
"So you're saying you'll openly two-time? Ha, think that'll make me happy? You're a terrible man."
"Kuhaha! Can't be helped. I'm greedy, and I won't pass up the chance to claim a beauty like you—my natural opposite."
"...So unlike me, you want big-breasted women too."
Ah, busted? For a moment, I slipped into character and blurted the truth. That made Sera's already icy vibe turn downright hostile.
"Fine, whatever. I have no say anyway. That's why they say the one who loves more loses. Sigh... How'd I fall for a guy like you?"
"Hey, Sera... Still, your pussy's the better one."
"Ha! Obviously? Comparing it to some filthy hole that's had another man's cock? Insulting! Of course my pussy—reshaped to fit your cock perfectly—is superior!"
"Uh, eung..."
Wait, she's taking it like that? I'd meant to comfort her, but regretted it instantly—then Sera boldly pitched her pussy. What kind of charm is this...? And even mad, she seemed a tad pleased. Sera really is a naughty girl. Praising her spunk, I groped her ass; she shoved me off and straightened her disheveled clothes.
"We're on duty now. Hmph. Anyway, I'll convey your will to Horn's lord as ordered. Though... that guy's in for a pathetic end. Wife stolen one way, caravan doomed another."
"Well, if he's jealous, he can become a lord himself."
"You're the worst."
"So, you hate it?"
"I meant the me who goes along with you is the worst."
So damn cute.
The lord who cherishes me anytime, anywhere, always greeting me with a smile; the servants who welcome me warmly; even Sera, still scary but treating me like nothing happened since... Ahh, coming to see the lord really was the right choice. Thanks to him, I'm enjoying such blissful times—I'm almost worried if I'm allowed this much happiness.
If I'd foolishly stayed by Agon's side, I'd have lived my whole life never knowing this joy. Thank goodness I made the right choice at life's turning point. Did the goddess guide me? Meeting the lord feels like a miracle from the gods.
-Knock knock
"Lady Rozina. It's Sera. May I come in?"
"Yes, Lady Sera."
-Creak
Just as I pondered resuming prayers to the goddess, Sera came to see me. What could it be? Her somewhat grave expression made me uneasy.
"I have something you need to know, Lady Rozina. Agon has been thrown into Horn's jail."
